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High Risk

There is high risk to your security along the borders with Laos and Thailand and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel. Military activity, ethnic militias, armed drug smugglers, and the presence of landmines pose a particularly high risk to your safety. Travel restrictions are in place in most border areas and there are only a limited number of legal crossing points.

There is high risk to your security in Kachin, Rakhine and northern Shan states due to ethnic tensions and the potential for armed conflict and violent civil unrest. We advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to these areas.

Some Risk

There is some risk to your security elsewhere in Myanmar due to the unsettled political situation, potential for civil unrest and threat from terrorism, we advise caution.

Ethnic tensionsMyanmar has experienced internal conflicts involving a number of ethnic and non-state armed groups.Many of these groups have signed ceasefires with the government, however the security situation in some states remains tense.There are sporadic outbreaks of armed violence between government forces and ethnic and rebel groups, particularly in Shan and Kachin states.

On 17 February 2015, a state of emergency and martial law was declared in the Kokang region of northern Shan state, following clashes which killed a large number of security force members and rebel fighters.

Civil UnrestIn March 2014 there were violent attacks directed against United Nations and international NGO staff and offices in Sittwe, Rakhine State. Further violence, which could be directed against foreigners, is possible.

New Zealanders in Myanmar are advised to monitor the media for any developments that may affect the security situation. We recommend avoiding all protests, marches and demonstrations and complying with any instructions issued by the local authorities.

TerrorismMyanmar shares with the rest of Southeast Asia a threat from terrorism. Small scale bombings resulting in fatalities have occurred in the past and further attacks cannot be ruled out, including in urban areas such Yangon and Mandalay. Past targets have included hotels, restaurants, commercial interests, public transport and tourist areas. New Zealanders in Myanmar are advised to be security conscious in public and crowded places.

General travel adviceNew Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social/cultural traditions in Myanmar to avoid offending local sensitivities.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Myanmar should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Myanmar are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.